Mesothelioma Lung CancerAsbestos fibers can cause lung cancer in those with mesothelioma if they irritate the lining inside their chest cavity. Patients who develop mesothelioma typically have an exposure history to asbestos.A patient should always see an experienced physician if they exhibit signs or symptoms of this condition. Imaging tests like chest X-rays or CT scans can assist doctors identify the condition. asbestos related cancer mesothelioma mesothelioma-related cancer affects the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of internal organs. This is referred to as the Mesothelium. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. The most common mesothelioma type, called pleural mesothelioma, develops in the lining of the chest (pleura). Other forms of mesothelioma can be found in the lining the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or in the lining of the testicles and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).Mesothelioma takes a long time to develop, and its symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. This is why mesothelioma is often diagnosed only in advanced stages when the disease has already taken over.The symptoms of mesothelioma start many decades after asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma first becomes apparent through swelling of the lungs and chest pain. Other symptoms include fatigue and weight loss. Mesothelioma can be spread to other parts of the body, including the kidneys and the liver.Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma by using an X-ray of the chest, CT scan and a lung function test. They may also perform biopsy. The GP might refer the patient to a specialist for confirmation of the diagnosis.Asbestos was commonly used in building materials until 1999 when it was banned. Certain older buildings and homes still contain asbestos. You should tell your GP if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They will then test you for cancers and mesothelioma.The exposure to asbestos in the secondhand environment can increase the risk of mesothelioma. Workers may bring asbestos home on their clothes, skin or hair, or use tools contaminated by the mineral. Barbers and ceramics workers for instance, were at risk of bringing asbestos into their home.Mesothelioma is classified into four stages based on how far the cancer has spread. Stages 1 and 2 when the cancer is in its infancy and has not spread to other tissues, are the most treatable. People diagnosed in the stages 3 or 4 are more likely die of the disease.Exposure to other chemicalsAsbestos, a group of minerals with microscopic fibers was once a standard building material. It is resistant to fire and chemicals, and does not conduct electrical current. The fibers are so tiny that they can get into the lungs over time and cause damage. Mesothelioma is usually found in the tissues that surround the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or the layers of tissue that surround the organs in the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma). Between the time of exposure and the onset of symptoms it could take a long time.If a doctor suspects that you are suffering from mesothelioma, they will perform an examination of your body and collect your medical history. They will inquire about any potential factors that may have increased the risk of mesothelioma, especially asbestos exposure. They will conduct imaging tests like a CT scan or chest X-ray as well as biopsy to detect mesothelioma.Removal of cancerous tissue is the most popular treatment. Other treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapy. Chemotherapy makes use of specific drugs to shrink and kill cancerous cells. It is given in pill form or through an IV. It can be administered by itself or in conjunction with other treatments.Radiation therapy is a treatment that makes use of a device that sends high-energy beams at cancerous cells. It is used at different stages of pleural mesothelioma in order to alleviate pain or destroy cancerous cells left over after chemotherapy or surgery. It is less commonly used for peritoneal mesothelioma, but it can help reduce symptoms or remove any remaining cancerous cells after chemotherapy or surgery.Targeted therapy is a form of treatment that targets specific genes or proteins that are involved in mesothelioma. It is a promising treatment option for those who are not responding well to standard treatments.Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are invited to participate in a clinical study of an experimental treatment. The purpose of these trials is to identify ways to improve the survival rates of patients suffering from mesothelioma. Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma need to discuss with their doctors the possibility of participating in a trial.GeneticsSome people are born with an inherited mutation that increases the risk of lung cancer. These mutations can be passed down through the generations or occur over the lifetime of the person. Mutations can also alter an individual's genes to make it more difficult for the body to rid itself of cancer-causing chemicals, or repair damaged DNA.The cell changes that result can result in a tumor developing in the lungs, or in other parts of your body. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed until the disease has progressed.A combination of medical tests will be used to determine the presence of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the process of taking a small sample of fluid or tissue from the area where they suspect cancer. They will then put this tissue under a microscope to check for cancer cells. Doctors can also request an X-ray or CT scan to determine if there is a lump on the chest wall, changes in the lungs, or any other signs of mesothelioma.These tests can aid doctors find a treatment for mesothelioma. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatments. Some patients are prescribed the medication known as the pleural drain. It allows doctors to remove excess fluid from the chest. This can ease symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing.Palliative treatment is also recommended to those diagnosed with mesothelioma in order to ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. This can include medication for other ailments, like lung disease and treatment for other ailments such as pain and fatigue.Mesothelioma patients have been successful in prolonging their lives significantly beyond what was expected. Some have seen their cancer go into complete remission and are now living decades or years after diagnosis.The mesothelioma survival rate isn't fixed in stone and is based on a myriad of factors that include the patient's general health and age. While a mesothelioma prognosis is often poor, it can be improved with aggressive treatments that comprise various types of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.SmokingAsbestos, which is a collection of microfibers that are widely used in construction, is nearly always associated with mesothelioma. The exposure is usually at the workplace, but mesothelioma may also develop at home, if dust that has been contaminated is ingested into. The symptoms of the disease usually do not appear until late stages.If you think you might have mesothelioma or a similar cancer, consult your GP. They may refer you to a hospital specialist for some tests. These tests can help diagnose the condition and determine how far it has spread.There are three standard types of mesothelioma treatment. These involve surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Your doctors will decide which one to use based on where your mesothelioma is located and the stage it's at.The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lung. Asbestos fibers inhalation causes the formation of scar tissue, also known as pleural plates, that make the lining stiff and thick. This stops the lung's ability to expand in a healthy manner during breathing, and increases the chance of fluid accumulation. There are three types of the pleural cancer epithelioid (most common) and Sarcomatoid (second most commonly) and mixed.The lining of the stomach is affected by peritoneal mesothelioma. It is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and the majority of people diagnosed with it have a less chance of survival than those diagnosed with mesothelioma pleural.The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are comparable to many other conditions. The tumor is typically located in the middle part of the abdomen, where it can be difficult to identify.Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma peritoneal by either taking a tissue sample with an needle or surgically removing a portion of the affected area. The tissue can be examined under a microscope to detect mesothelioma. They are also able to look for signs of mesothelioma growth, for example in the lymph nodes. They can also use the scan known as positron-emission tomography (PET) which involves small amounts of radioactive compound is injected into the patient's body, and then pictures are taken. The compound is absorbed into tumors, which show up as brighter areas on the images.